"It would take Riley nearly three years - and plenty of ups and downs - to return to that same place, only this time to have the door slammed shut by No. 7 Oregon in a 42-27 loss that all but eliminated the Trojans' hopes of a first-ever playoff invite. USC will settle once again for a second-tier bowl game, while the Ducks are likely to be one of three Big Ten teams to host a playoff game."
"It wasn't an injury or an uncontrollable act that doomed them this time, but rather a rash of discipline errors that came at the worst possible time. An extraordinary number of mistakes came from USC's kick and punt teams, where the Trojans had looked somewhat improved this season. But that no longer seemed the case Saturday, as USC unraveled on special teams, putting its offense in too deep of a hole to climb out of."
USC's College Football Playoff hopes were effectively ended by a 42-27 loss to No. 7 Oregon, with discipline errors and special-teams breakdowns proving decisive. Multiple mistakes on kick and punt units repeatedly put USC's offense in poor field position and undermined earlier improvements. The defense allowed 436 yards, nearly matching the season worst, and failed to contain Oregon's attack. Quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 306 yards and three touchdowns while throwing two interceptions, and the rushing game struggled to produce. USC will accept a second-tier bowl assignment while Oregon advances toward a playoff-hosting role.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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